Switching off the phone
by Carl Honoré · May 17, 2010
A big cheer for the new British PM David Cameron, who has kicked off his premiership by banning cellphones from cabinet meetings. Amen to that. Politicians make bad enough decisions as it is without being constantly distracted round the cabinet table by incoming emails and text messages.
Turn off that Crackberry and pay attention, Chancellor!
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Surprising that it took a new PM to introduce this change. Hopefully they can concentrate better now…
Comment by Fabian | The Friendly Anarchist
— May 17, 2010 @ 6:25 am
Maybe it’s not that surprising. Everyone is so hooked on mobile phones that perhaps only the guy at the top could clamp down. Let’s see how well it works now….
Comment by Carl Honoré 95.177.121.34 not found — May 17, 2010 @ 6:28 am
Hi Carl
I just finished reading your book and really enjoyed it. It may be the answer to a lot of problems. I came across a quote you might be interested in, which the American military teach their soldiers.
“Slow is smooth - smooth is fast”
I think the idea is that slow deliberate movements prevent mistakes, and keep the soldier calm focused - and alive.
(I heard it from Actor Josh Hartnett, as he spoke of his Army training for the movie Black Hawk Down, and it started me thinking about the slow philosophy)
All the Best
John Gilchrest
Comment by John Gilchrest 109.79.205.132 not found — May 18, 2010 @ 4:50 am
Nice one, John. I love that quote. Could be a nifty motto. Thanks for sending it, and glad you enjoyed the book!
Comment by Carl Honoré 95.177.121.34 not found — May 18, 2010 @ 8:00 am
I don’t think banning mobile phones will save the UK economy from bankruptcy, but hopefully the cabinet ministers might focus in meetings in the meantime and perhaps come up with solutions to rebuilding the UK.
A former Australian Prime Minister talks about the importance of having time to think as a leader - hopefully Cameron will turn his phone off privately sometimes as well.
Comment by Craig Pendergast
— May 23, 2010 @ 2:39 am
Couldn’t agree more, Craig. Not sure if anything can save us from bankruptcy, or something like it. But at least we can hope that our leaders are paying attention when the big decisions are debated….
Comment by Carl Honoré 95.177.121.34 not found — May 24, 2010 @ 2:47 am